To personalise shopping.
eBay and Google have launched a new shopping option using Artificial intelligence (AI). Launching today, consumers will be able to use Google Assistant to access the 60 million eBay listings by saying ‘Ask eBay’ or ‘Talk to eBay’ in order to search for a gift.
Additionally, a new ‘What’s it Worth’ function has been added that allows shoppers to ask what something is worth on eBay, potentially turning everyday items around the house into cash.
eBay’s collaboration with Google is among one of the first brands to take advantage of the multi-surface switching capability, which allows users to carry a voice conversation on Google Assistant over to their phone. When the consumer tells Google that they want to purchase an item on eBay, they can easily switch to their compatible Android and iOS smart phone to purchase the item.
eBay ANZ managing director, Tim MacKinnon said eBay has a long history of being the first to market with new innovations in Australia. “eBay built this technology from the ground up and it’s the perfect example of how artificial intelligence is helping to make a truly personalised shopping experience as simple as a conversation. Working with Google is the next innovative step for us, as partnerships have always been a large part of the eBay business,” he said.
“Already we have 80 of Australia’s 100 largest retailers on the platform and this new partnership expands our technological capabilities to provide even greater access for consumers. We are the only marketplace in Australia that has this multi-surface switching capability.
“We are looking at the future of retail here and are excited to be at the early stages of this new commerce frontier. Integrating voice capability to the shopping experience makes it even easier for Australians to check eBay for the best deal,” MacKinnon said.